As a private investigator, you probably imagined that your job would be full of excitement and intrigue. However, most days consist of playing “to catch a cheat” so you can satisfy the curiosity of spurned spouses. You know your abilities are top-notch, so how do you build your client base? We’ve put together a listing of four different “target personas” to whom you may want to advertise your services.
- Struggling Business Owners – Running a small or independently owned business is hard. Operating a restaurant usually means long hours spent working with customers and keeping a kitchen clean and running smoothly. A retail store is much of the same. Even online businesses have deadlines to meet and product to manage. That’s why businesses hire managers and full-time employees. However, many people find that once they get a few employees working the business, the profits seem to go down. Advertising your services to business owners who want to make sure everything is on the “up and up” behind the scenes may help you save a small local firm or at least alleviate the concerns of a worried owner.
- HR Departments – One way you may be able to secure “long-term” work is by aligning yourself with the HR department in a medium-sized firm. Most huge companies outsource background checks. You may be able to convince the HR team in a medium-sized company that you can do this work for them in less time, and for an affordable price. The best thing about landing this gig is that you’ll likely get calls throughout the year as the company hires new staff. It may help you to have this additional income between jobs.
- Law Firms – Much like creating a connection with HR departments, landing a law firm client may give you work for the long haul. Many firms do much of their PI work in-house. However, you’ll find that there is often too much to do and too little time to do it. This may be your opportunity to investigate many interesting people and cases. However, you’ll often have your hands tied “legally” even more than you usually do–since the firm will have stringent rules that must be followed when obtaining information.
- Identity Theft Victims – Identity theft is, unfortunately, a big concern today. Those who have become the victim of an identity thief may have months of work ahead of them straightening out the damage that’s done. While law enforcement is actively looking for these perpetrators, there is simply not enough time in the day to get it all done. Many victims are looking to figure out who is behind the crime so they can go about getting things resolved. Working with these victims could help someone who is going through a very stressful time and give you the chance to do something useful for the community too.
Now that you have a few ideas for the people who may be interested in your services, you can create marketing material and online ads that put your name in front of them. With this information, you’ll be able to grow your business and show the world you are more than just a straying-husband finder. Although, those jobs can be quite rewarding and exciting too when they are just a part of your overall caseload!
Expanding your PI business may mean you need a change or shift in your PI insurance coverage! Check out our website or give us a call to see how we can help you!
